A retrospective study of the lipid-lowering efficacy and safety of ezetimibe added to hydroxy methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase therapy in HIV-infected patients with hyperlipidemia

Lisa M. Chastain, Amy M. Bain, Krystal L. Edwards, Roger Bedimo, Anthony J. Busti

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Abnormalities in lipid metabolism are a well-described consequence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection being treated with highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART). Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the lipid-lowering efficacy and safety of ezetimibe added to existing hydroxy methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (statin) therapy in HIV-infected patients with hyperlipidemia. Methods: This is a retrospective study utilizing a comprehensive electronic patient registry to identify all adult HIV-infected patients seen at the Dallas Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center during a 4-year period from October 1, 2002 through October 1, 2006. Results: A total of 26 HIV-infected patients initiated on ezetimibe 10 mg were identified, with 14 adult males meeting strict criteria for inclusion. Median age was 54 years (interquartile range [IQR], 45-59) with a median duration of HIV of 13 years, CD4 count of 513 cells/mm3 (IQR, 289-736), and 9 of 14 patients had undetectable viral loads at baseline. Initiation of ezetimibe 10 mg resulted in a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC) from baseline (-12.9%, P = 0.001); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; -25.7%, P = 0.001); and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C; -23.9%, P = 0.001). There was also a nonsignificant decrease in triglycerides (15.8%, P = 0.43), and an increase in number of patients achieving National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III goal for LDL-C after initiation of ezetimibe (+20.9%, P = 0.125). These improvements occurred without adverse effects or changes in virologic and immunologic control. Conclusion: Addition of ezetimibe to existing statin therapy in HIV-infected VA patients treated with HAART significantly reduces TC, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C concentrations without apparent side effects or compromising of virologic control.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)634-639
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology
Volume1
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2007

Keywords

  • Antiretroviral therapy
  • Dyslipidemia
  • Ezetimibe
  • Human immunodeficiency virus
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-Coenzyme A reductase inhibitor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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